WWE researching tiered Network pricing with content from Ring of Honor, a revived ECW and more

As they do from time-to-time, WWE has sent out a survey to current, past and prospective subscribers to WWE Network. This one is specifically designed to gather more information about interest in a premium tier above the current $9.99 per month price point, and many of the items the questionnaire lists will get fans’ tongues wagging.

Which is also why the company sent out an email to outlets such as Cageside Seats inviting us to take the survey, and caution that everything included is for research that “will be used to help improve our fans’ WWE Network experience and to continue vetting a potential premium tier.”

In other words, just because they mention TNA doesn’t mean Vince McMahon has a bid in to Anthem on the tape library.

And they do mention TNA, along with Ring of Honor and other promotions:

• TNA: Historic and new programming from TNA / Impact / Global Force Wrestling
• Ring of Honor: Historic and new programming from Ring of Honor
• Other Promotions: Historic and new programming from ICW, PROGRESS, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, or other regional Indie promotions
• Special Live Events: Special one-time live events from unique locations around the world featuring an unexpected main event
• Tournaments: New in-ring tournaments such as a Pro Am style tournament (WWE vs. NXT), a Lucha tournament, a tag team tournament, or King / Queen of the Ring tournaments
• House Shows: For the first time ever, get a live, ringside view of select WWE house shows
• TV-14 In-Ring Show: A “new” weekly version of ECW (Extreme Championship Wrestling) or other “edgy” new promotion rated TV-14
• WWE “Director’s Cut”: Shows that put a new twist on classic content such as WWE Legends narrating historic pay-per-views or current WWE Superstars providing their perspective and analysis of classic matches and events
• Original Scripted Dramas: Wrestling-themed series inspired by wrestling’s colorful and rich history such as WWE’s version of Game of Thrones
• Original Scripted Comedies: Comedies such as WWE Superstar Roasts, Southpaw Regional Wrestling, or WWE’s version of “The Office”
• New Reality Shows: Reality shows featuring life on the road for WWE Superstars, an insider’s view of WWE Superstars’ intense training and workout regimens, WWE Superstar “Cribs”, WWE-style “Apprentice” to win a job at WWE, or WWE Legends’ House Season 2 – Attitude Era
• Audio Channel: A section of WWE Network for “listening only” that provides audio play-by-play of pay-per-views, music playlists, “sports radio” style call-in shows and podcasts

In addition to content, there are also sections about interest in new functionality:

• Ratings / Comment System: Ability to “rate” shows or matches (e.g. 0 – 5 stars), add comments, or mark “favorite” moments
• Social Sharing: Ability to share playlists, clips, or favorites on social media (Facebook, YouTube, etc.)
• Social Viewing: Set up a “movie theater mode” to watch virtually with friends or participate in a live event on Facebook where you can chat with other fans
• Alternate Audio: Choose your favorite pay-per-view commentator team – for instance, you can hear “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Jerry Lawler call a live pay-per-view*
• Alternate Viewing Options: The ability to watch WWE in-ring shows using alternate camera choices (e.g. gorilla cam, drone cam, Go-Pro camera), 360 views or select higher or lower resolution options
• Download To Go: Ability to download content and watch “offline”
• Personalization: Ability to create custom playlists and change the look and feel of your WWE Network interface with options that represent your favorite WWE Era and Superstars
• Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality: The ability to watch current or historic WWE content in a way that makes it seem as if you are actually sitting ringside and experiencing an event, such as WrestleMania, live and in person, using special computer generated effects and equipment like a headset

Finally, respondents are asked whether the following non-viewing perks would incentivize them to subscribe to the premium tier:

• Loyalty Program: Get rewards such as t-shirts, collectibles and ticket upgrades using loyalty points earned from the length of time you have been a WWE Network premium subscriber or your time spent viewing
• Early Access to New Merchandise: Exclusive early access to new WWE merchandise on WWEShop.com, such as T-shirts and hats, before it goes on sale to the public
• Free Shipping: Free shipping on WWEshop.com orders
• Sweepstakes Entries: Automatic sweepstakes entry to win WWE event tickets, VIP meet-ups, merchandise, or unique WWE experiences such as a chance to appear on a Network show
• Monthly “inside WWE Headquarters” Conference Call: Ability to listen in to a conference call with WWE executives such as Triple H or Stephanie McMahon
• Preferred Pricing: Special offers for WWE VIP events and products including Meet & Greet discount packages and special offers on products from WWE sponsors
• Get Breaking News First: Be the first to receive WWE breaking news, before it’s posted on social media, WWE.com or shared with other outlets
• Fan Voting: Special opportunities to vote on match participants, Hall of Fame inductees, Slammys winner, or other WWE events
• Early Access to Live Event Tickets: Exclusive early access to live event tickets before going on sale to the public

Would any of these get you to give WWE more money every month? As we’ve seen in the past with tournament shows and other programming, some - but not all - of the things asked about in these eventually become a reality.

Let us know below, and if you got the survey, let them know, too!